VICP Registry Case Source Bundle Canonical URL: https://vicp-registry.org/case/USCOURTS-cofc-1_24-vv-01299 Package ID: USCOURTS-cofc-1_24-vv-01299 Petitioner: Veronica E. Johnson Filed: 2024-08-23 Decided: 2026-01-21 Vaccine: influenza Vaccination date: 2023-08-27 Condition: shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (SIRVA) Outcome: compensated Award amount USD: 42500 AI-assisted case summary: On August 23, 2024, Veronica E. Johnson filed a petition alleging that an influenza vaccine administered in her left arm on August 27, 2023 caused a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration. The stipulation notes that she also received a Shingrix vaccine the same day, but Shingrix is not a Vaccine Injury Table vaccine. Respondent denied that Ms. Johnson sustained a Table SIRVA, denied that the flu vaccine caused the alleged shoulder injury or any other injury, and denied that her current condition was a vaccine-related sequela. The public stipulation does not describe onset, treatment, imaging, injections, therapy, or daily-life limitations. On January 21, 2026, Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran adopted the parties' stipulation and awarded a lump sum of $42,500.00 through counsel's IOLTA account. Theory of causation field: Influenza vaccine August 27, 2023 allegedly causing SIRVA; same-day Shingrix noted as non-Table vaccine; adult, exact age not stated. COMPENSATED by stipulation. Respondent denied Table SIRVA, causation, and sequelae; public text lacks clinical detail. Award $42,500. Chief SM Brian H. Corcoran; petition August 23, 2024; decision January 21, 2026. Public staged source text: ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 1: USCOURTS-cofc-1_24-vv-01299-0 Date issued/filed: 2026-02-24 Pages: 7 Docket text: PUBLIC DECISION (Originally filed: 01/21/2026) regarding 29 DECISION Stipulation/Proffer. Signed by Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran. (cr) Service on parties made. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Case 1:24-vv-01299-UNJ Document 34 Filed 02/24/26 Page 1 of 7 In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 24-1299V VERONICA E. JOHNSON, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, v. Filed: January 21, 2026 SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. David Alexander Tierney, Rawls Law Group (Richmond), Richmond, VA, for Petitioner. Elizabeth Andary, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. DECISION ON JOINT STIPULATION1 On August 23, 2024, Veronica E. Johnson filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq.2 (the “Vaccine Act”). On August 27, 2023, Petitioner received an influenza (“flu”) vaccine, a vaccine contained in the Vaccine Injury Table (the “Table”), 42 C.F.R. § 100.3(a). Petitioner alleges that she sustained a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (“SIRVA”) as defined in the Table; she further alleges that the flu vaccine caused her alleged shoulder injury, and that she suffered the residual effects of her alleged injury for more than six months. Respondent denies that Petitioner sustained a SIRVA Table injury; denies that the vaccine caused Petitioner’s alleged shoulder injury, or any other injury; and denies that her current condition is a sequela of a vaccine-related injury. 1 Because this Decision contains a reasoned explanation for the action taken in this case, it must be made publicly accessible and will be posted on the United States Court of Federal Claims' website, and/or at https://www.govinfo.gov/app/collection/uscourts/national/cofc, in accordance with the E-Government Act of 2002. 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2018) (Federal Management and Promotion of Electronic Government Services). This means the Decision will be available to anyone with access to the internet. In accordance with Vaccine Rule 18(b), Petitioner has 14 days to identify and move to redact medical or other information, the disclosure of which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy. If, upon review, I agree that the identified material fits within this definition, I will redact such material from public access. 2 National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755. Hereinafter, for ease of citation, all section references to the Vaccine Act will be to the pertinent subparagraph of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa (2018). Case 1:24-vv-01299-UNJ Document 34 Filed 02/24/26 Page 2 of 7 Nevertheless, on January 20, 2026, the parties filed the attached joint stipulation, stating that a decision should be entered awarding compensation. I find the stipulation reasonable and adopt it as my decision awarding damages, on the terms set forth therein. Pursuant to the terms stated in the attached Stipulation, I award the following compensation: A lump sum of $42,500.00 to be paid through an ACH deposit to Petitioner’s counsel’s IOLTA account for prompt disbursement to Petitioner. Stipulation ¶ 8. This amount represents compensation for all items of damages that would be available under Section 15(a). Id. I approve the requested amount for Petitioner’s compensation. In the absence of a motion for review filed pursuant to RCFC Appendix B, the Clerk of Court is directed to enter judgment in accordance with this decision.3 IT IS SO ORDERED. s/Brian H. Corcoran Brian H. Corcoran Chief Special Master 3 Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 11(a), entry of judgment can be expedited by the parties’ joint filing of notice renouncing the right to seek review. 2 Case 1:24-vv-01299-UNJ Document 34 Filed 02/24/26 Page 3 of 7 IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS VERONICA E. JOHNSON, Petitioner, v. No. 24-1299V Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran SECRETARY OF HEALT H AND ECF HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. STIPULATION The parties hereby stipulate to the following matters: 1. Veronica E. Johnson {"petitioner") filed a petition for vaccine compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-l0 to -34 (the "Vaccine Program"). The petition seeks compensation for injuries allegedly related to petitioner's receipt of an influenza ("flu") vaccine, which is a vaccine contained in the Vaccine Injury Table (the "Table"), 42 C.F.R. § 100.3(a). 2. Petitioner received the flu vaccine in her left arm on August 27, 2023. 1 3. The vaccine was administered within the United States. 4. Petitioner alleges that she suffered a Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration ("SIRVA") within the time frame set forth in the Table following administration of the flu vaccine,and that she experienced the residual effects of this injury for more than six months. 1 On the same day, petitioner also received a Shingrix vaccine, which is not contained in the Vaccine Injury Table, in her left deltoid. Case 1:24-vv-01299-UNJ Document 34 Filed 02/24/26 Page 4 of 7 5. Petitioner represents that there has been no prior award or settlement of a civil action for damages on her behalf as a result of the alleged injury. 6. Respondent denies that petitioner sustained a S[RV A, as defined in the Table; denies that the vaccine caused petitioner's alleged shoulder injury, or any other injury; and denies that her current condition is a sequela of a vaccine-related injury. 7. Maintaining their above-stated positions, the parties nevertheless now agree that the issues between them shall be settled and that a decision should be entered awarding the compensation described in paragraph 8 of this Stipulation. 8. As soon as practicable after an entry ofj udgment reflecting a decision consistent with the tenns of this Stipulation, and after petitioner has filed an election to receive compensation pursuantto42 U.S.C. § 300aa-2l(a)(l), the Secretary of Health and Human Services will issue the following vaccine compensation payment: A lump sum of $42,500.00 to be paid through an ACH deposit to petitioner's counsers IOL TA account for prompt disbursement to petitioner. This amount represents compensation for all damages that would be available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-l 5(a). 9. As soon as practicable after the entry ofj udgment on entitlement in this case, and after petitioner has filed both a proper and timely election to receive compensation pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-2 I (a)(I), and an application, the parties will submit to further proceedings before the special master to award reasonable attorneys' fees and costs incurred in proceeding upon this petition. I 0. Petitioner and her attorney represent that compensation to be provided pursuant to this Stipulation is not for any items or services for which the Program is not primarily liable under42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(g), to the extent that payment has been made or can reasonably be 2 Case 1:24-vv-01299-UNJ Document 34 Filed 02/24/26 Page 5 of 7 expected to be made under any State compensation programs, insurance policies, Federal or State health benefits programs (other than Title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. § 1396 et seq.}), or by entities that provide health services on a pre-paid basis. J I. Payment made pursuant to paragraph 8 of this Stipulation, and any amounts awarded pursuant to paragraph 9 of this Stipulation, wit) be made in accordance with 42 U.S.C. § 300aa J 5(i), subject to the availability of sufficient statutory funds. J2 . The parties and their attorneys further agree and stipulate that, except for any award for attorneys' fees and litigation costs, and past unreimbursable expenses, the money provided pursuant to this Stipulation will be used solely for the benefit of petitioner, as contemplated by a strict construction of4 2 U.S.C. § 300aa-lS(a) and (d), and subject to the conditions of 42 U.S.C. §§ 300aa-l 5(g) and (h). 13. In re tum for the payments described in paragraphs 8 and 9, petitioner, in petitioner's individual capacity, and on behalf ofp etitioner's heirs, executors, administrators, successors or assigns, does forever irrevocably and unconditionally release, acquit, and discharge the United States and the Secretary of Health and Human Services from any and all actions or causes of action (including agreements, judgments, claims, damages, loss of services, expenses, and all demands of whatever kind or nature) that have been brought, could have been brought, or hereafter could be timely brought in the Court of Federal Claims. under the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-J0 et seq., on account of, or in any way growing out of, any and all known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected personal injuries to or death of petitioner resulting from. or that may be alleged to have resulted from, the vaccinations administered on or about August 27, 2023, as alleged by petitioner in a petition for vaccine 3 Case 1:24-vv-01299-UNJ Document 34 Filed 02/24/26 Page 6 of 7 compensation filed on or about August 23, 2024, in the United States Court of Federal Claims as petition No. 24-l 299V. 14. If petitioner should die prior to entry of judgment, this agreement shall be voidable upon proper notice to the Court on behalf of either or both of the parties. 15. If the special master fails to issue a decision in complete confonnity with the terms of this Stipulation or if the Court of Federal Claims fails to enter judgment in conformity with a decision that is in complete confonnity with the tenns of this Stipulation, then the parties' settlement and this Stipulation shall be voidable at the sole discretion of either party. 16. This Stipulation expresses a full and complete negotiated settlement of liability and damages claimed under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, as amended, except as otherwise noted in paragraph 9 above. There is absolutely no agreement on the part of the parties hereto to make any payment or to do any act or thing other than is herein expressly stated and clearly agreed to. The parties further agree and understand that the award described in this stipulation may reflect a compromise of the parties' respective positions as to liability and/or amount of damages, and further, that a change in the nature of the injury or condition or in the items of compensation sought, is not grounds to modify or revise this agreement. 17. This Stipulation shall not be construed as an admission by the United States or the Secretary of Health and Human Services that the flu vaccine caused petitioner to suffer a shoulder injury or her current disabilities, or any other injury or condition, or that petitioner sustained an injury contained in the Vaccine Injury Table. 18. All rights and obligations of petitioner hereunder shall apply equally to petitioner's heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and/or assigns. END OF STIPULATION 4 Case 1:24-vv-01299-UNJ Document 34 Filed 02/24/26 Page 7 of 7 Respectfully submitted, AT IORNEV OF RECORD FOR AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE PETITIONER: OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL: .4le~~f?~ _TIv-1J-d,t1.~~~T~I~EcR_gii.::.J..f_"'3_=.. ..-========-~ DA HEA1 HER L. PEARLMAN Rawls Law Group Deputy Director 211 Rocketts Way, Suite 100 Torts Branch Richmond, VA 23231 Civil Division (804) 344-0038 U.S. Department of Justice E-mail: dtiemey@rawlslawgroup.com P.O. Box 146 Benjamin Franklin Station Washington, DC 20044-0146 AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE AT IORNEY OF RECORD FOR OF THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH RESPONDENT: AND HUMAN SERVICES: ffrey 5 Je Digitally signed by • Jeffrey S. Beach -S Be a( h -S Date: 2026.01.13 6 08:56:44-0S'00' for ~TH A No£ CAPT GEORGE REED GRIMES, MD, MPH Director, Division of Injury Trial Attorney Compensation Programs Torts Branch Health Systems Bureau Civil Division Health Resources and Services U.S. Department of Justice Administration P.O. Box 146 U.S. Department of Health Benjamin Franklin Station and Human Services Washington, DC 20044~0146 5600 Fishers Lane, 14 W-18 Tel: (202) 6 t 6-9824 Rockville, MD 20857 E-mail: Elizabeth.A.Andary@usdoj.gov 5 ================================================================================ DOCUMENT 2: USCOURTS-cofc-1_24-vv-01299-cl-extra-11267036 Date issued/filed: 2026-02-24 Pages: 1 Docket text: Supplementary opinion from CourtListener cluster 10800360 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- In the United States Court of Federal Claims OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS No. 24-1299V VERONICA E. JOHNSON, Chief Special Master Corcoran Petitioner, v. Filed: January 21, 2026 SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. David Alexander Tierney, Rawls Law Group (Richmond), Richmond, VA, for Petitioner. Elizabeth Andary, U.S. Department of Justice, Washington, DC, for Respondent. DECISION ON JOINT STIPULATION 1 On August 23, 2024, Veronica E. Johnson filed a petition for compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. §300aa-10, et seq. 2 (the “Vaccine Act”). On August 27, 2023, Petitioner received an influenza (“flu”) vaccine, a vaccine contained in the Vaccine Injury Table (the “Table”), 42 C.F.R. § 100.3(a). Petitioner alleges that she sustained a shoulder injury related to vaccine administration (“SIRVA”) as defined in the Table; she further alleges that the flu vaccine caused her alleged shoulder injury, and that she suffered the residual effects of her alleged injury for more than six months. Respondent denies that Petitioner sustained a SIRVA Table injury; denies that the vaccine caused Petitioner’s alleged shoulder injury, or any other injury; and denies that her current condition is a sequela of a vaccine-related injury. 1 Because this Decision contains a reasoned explanation for the action taken in this case, it must be made publicly accessible and will be posted on the United States Court of Federal Claims' website, and/or at https://www.govinfo.gov/app/collection/uscourts/national/cofc, in accordance with the E-Government Act of 2002. 44 U.S.C. § 3501 note (2018) (Federal Management and Promotion of Electronic Government Services). This means the Decision will be available to anyone with access to the internet. In accordance with Vaccine Rule 18(b), Petitioner has 14 days to identify and move to redact medical or other information, the disclosure of which would constitute an unwarranted invasion of privacy. If, upon review, I agree that the identified material fits within this definition, I will redact such material from public access. 2 National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, Pub. L. No. 99-660, 100 Stat. 3755. Hereinafter, for ease of citation, all section references to the Vaccine Act will be to the pertinent subparagraph of 42 U.S.C. § 300aa (2018). Nevertheless, on January 20, 2026, the parties filed the attached joint stipulation, stating that a decision should be entered awarding compensation. I find the stipulation reasonable and adopt it as my decision awarding damages, on the terms set forth therein. Pursuant to the terms stated in the attached Stipulation, I award the following compensation: A lump sum of $42,500.00 to be paid through an ACH deposit to Petitioner’s counsel’s IOLTA account for prompt disbursement to Petitioner. Stipulation ¶ 8. This amount represents compensation for all items of damages that would be available under Section 15(a). Id. I approve the requested amount for Petitioner’s compensation. In the absence of a motion for review filed pursuant to RCFC Appendix B, the Clerk of Court is directed to enter judgment in accordance with this decision. 3 IT IS SO ORDERED. s/Brian H. Corcoran Brian H. Corcoran Chief Special Master 3 Pursuant to Vaccine Rule 11(a), entry of judgment can be expedited by the parties’ joint filing of notice renouncing the right to seek review. 2 IN THE UNITED STATES COURT OF FEDERAL CLAIMS OFFICE OF SPECIAL MASTERS VERONICA E. JOHNSON, Petitioner, v. No . 24-1299V Chief Special Master Brian H. Corcoran SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND ECF HUMAN SERVICES, Respondent. STIPULATION The parties hereby stipulate to the following matters: 1. Veronica E. Johnson {"petitioner") filed a petition for vaccine compensation under the National Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-l0 to -34 (the "Vaccine Program"). The petition seeks compensation for injuries allegedly related to petitioner's receipt of an influenza ("flu") vaccine, which is a vaccine contained in the Vaccine Injury Table (the "Table"), 42 C.F.R. § 100.3(a). 2. Petitioner received the flu vaccine in her left arm on August 27, 2023. 1 3. The vaccine was administered within the United States. 4. Petitioner alleges that she suffered a Shoulder Injury Related to Vaccine Administration ("SIRVA") within the time frame set forth in the Table following administration of the flu vaccine,and that she experienced the residual effects of this injury for more than six months. 1 On the same day, petitioner also received a Shingrix vaccine, which is not contained in the Vaccine Injury Table, in her left deltoid . 5. Petitioner represents that there has been no prior award or settlement of a civil action for damages on her behalf as a result of the alleged injury. 6. Respondent denies that petitioner sustained a S[RVA, as defined in the Table; denies that the vaccine caused petitioner's alleged shoulder injury, or any other injury; and denies that her current condition is a sequela of a vaccine-related injury. 7. Maintaining their above-stated positions, the parties nevertheless now agree that the issues between them shall be settled and that a decision should be entered awarding the compensation described in paragraph 8 of this Stipulation. 8. As soon as practicable after an entry ofjudgment reflecting a decision consistent with the tenns of this Stipulation, and after petitioner has filed an election to receive compensation pursuantto42 U.S.C. § 300aa-2l(a)(l), the Secretary of Health and Human Services will issue the following vaccine compensation payment: A lump sum of $42,500.00 to be paid through an ACH deposit to petitioner's counsers IOLTA account for prompt disbursement to petitioner. This amount represents compensation for all damages that would be available under 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-l 5(a). 9. As soon as practicable after the entry ofjudgment on entitlement in this case, and after petitioner has filed both a proper and timely election to receive compensation pursuant to 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-2 I (a)(I), and an application, the parties will submit to further proceedings before the special master to award reasonable attorneys' fees and costs incurred in proceeding upon this petition. I 0. Petitioner and her attorney represent that compensation to be provided pursuant to this Stipulation is not for any items or services for which the Program is not primarily liable under42 U.S.C. § 300aa-15(g), to the extent that payment has been made or can reasonably be 2 expected to be made under any State compensation programs, insurance policies, Federal or State health benefits programs (other than Title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. § 1396 et seq.}), or by entities that provide health services on a pre-paid basis. J I. Payment made pursuant to paragraph 8 of this Stipulation, and any amounts awarded pursuant to paragraph 9 of this Stipulation, wit) be made in accordance with 42 U.S.C. § 300aa- J5(i), subject to the availability of sufficient statutory funds. J2. The parties and their attorneys further agree and stipulate that, except for any award for attorneys' fees and litigation costs, and past unreimbursable expenses, the money provided pursuant to this Stipulation will be used solely for the benefit of petitioner, as contemplated by a strict construction of42 U.S.C. § 300aa-lS(a) and (d), and subject to the conditions of 42 U.S.C. §§ 300aa-l 5(g) and (h). 13. In re tum for the payments described in paragraphs 8 and 9, petitioner, in petitioner's individual capacity, and on behalf of petitioner's heirs, executors, administrators, successors or assigns, does forever irrevocably and unconditionally release, acquit, and discharge the United States and the Secretary of Health and Human Services from any and all actions or causes of action (including agreements, judgments, claims, damages, loss of services, expenses, and all demands of whatever kind or nature) that have been brought, could have been brought, or hereafter could be timely brought in the Court of Federal Claims. under the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program, 42 U.S.C. § 300aa-J0 et seq., on account of, or in any way growing out of, any and all known or unknown, suspected or unsuspected personal injuries to or death of petitioner resulting from. or that may be alleged to have resulted from, the vaccinations administered on or about August 27, 2023 , as alleged by petitioner in a petition for vaccine 3 compensation filed on or about August 23, 2024, in the United States Court of Federal Claims as petition No. 24-l 299V. 14. If petitioner should die prior to entry of judgment, this agreement shall be voidable upon proper notice to the Court on behalf of either or both of the parties. 15. If the special master fails to issue a decision in complete confonnity with the terms of this Stipulation or if the Court of Federal Claims fails to enter judgment in conformity with a decision that is in complete confonnity with the tenns of this Stipulation, then the parties' settlement and this Stipulation shall be voidable at the sole discretion of either party. 16. This Stipulation expresses a full and complete negotiated settlement of liability and damages claimed under the National Childhood Vaccine Injury Act of 1986, as amended, except as otherwise noted in paragraph 9 above. There is absolutely no agreement on the part of the parties hereto to make any payment or to do any act or thing other than is herein expressly stated and clearly agreed to. The parties further agree and understand that the award described in this stipulation may reflect a compromise of the parties' respective positions as to liability and/or amount of damages, and further, that a change in the nature of the injury or condition or in the items of compensation sought, is not grounds to modify or revise this agreement. 17. This Stipulation shall not be construed as an admission by the United States or the Secretary of Health and Human Services that the flu vaccine caused petitioner to suffer a shoulder injury or her current disabilities, or any other injury or condition, or that petitioner sustained an injury contained in the Vaccine Injury Table. 18. All rights and obligations of petitioner hereunder shall apply equally to petitioner's heirs, executors, administrators, successors, and/or assigns. END OF STIPULATION 4 Respectfully submitted, ATIORNEV OF RECORD FOR AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE PETITIONER: OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL: _TI-1-,t.~~~~c_g.:...__ '3....-========-~ .4le~~f?~ DA vJd1~TIERii:Jf"= Rawls Law Group HEA1HER L. PEARLMAN Deputy Director 211 Rocketts Way, Suite 100 Torts Branch Richmond, VA 23231 Civil Division (804) 344-0038 U.S. Department of Justice E-mail: dtiemey@rawlslawgroup.com P.O. Box 146 Benjamin Franklin Station Washington, DC 20044-0146 AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE ATIORNEY OF RECORD FOR OF THE SECRETARY OF HEALTH RESPONDENT: AND HUMAN SERVICES: Jeffrey 5 Digitally signed by • Jeffrey S. Beach -S Date: 2026.01.13 Bea( h -S 08:56:44-0S'00' CAPT GEORGE REED GRIMES, MD, MPH Director, Division of Injury for ~TH A No£ Trial Attorney 6 Compensation Programs Torts Branch Health Systems Bureau Civil Division Health Resources and Services U.S. Department of Justice Administration P.O. Box 146 U.S. Department of Health Benjamin Franklin Station and Human Services Washington, DC 20044~0146 5600 Fishers Lane, 14W-18 Tel: (202) 6 t 6-9824 Rockville, MD 20857 E-mail: Elizabeth.A.Andary@usdoj.gov 5